10 new things Miami University students will see in 2025-2026 academic year
New dining concepts, a Rec Center satellite, 100 textbooks on reserve, and more
1 - Charlie, the Crawfords’ new dog
The newest member of the Crawford family is Charlie, a “super energetic and enthusiastic” golden retriever.
Miami University President Gregory Crawford and University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford rescued the nearly 5-year-old dog this spring. Charlie joins their pack of Ivy and Newton.
2 - Chick-fil-A and other new dining choices
The fast food restaurant specializing in chicken sandwiches will open in the Armstrong Student Center later this year. Chick-fil-A will be housed in the newly named Haines Food Court. To enhance the dining experience, additional seating — including new tables and chairs — are being added to accommodate the growing number of students who gather in Armstrong.
As with most on-campus retail dining locations, students can enjoy meals on-the-go using their meal plan. Meals can also be ordered ahead for pickup using the Grubhub app with Dining Dollars or a meal swipe.
Other Dining Services updates include:
- Garden Dining Commons this fall is welcoming new neighbor Patio Grill. The stand-alone restaurant features a made-to-order menu that will focus on fresh, minimally processed meals prepared in a facility designed for allergen safety. Patio Grill's menu is entirely free of the top nine allergens and gluten.
- Athenian Grill will open at Bell Tower at the start of fall semester, bringing authentic Greek and Mediterranean flavors back to campus. Student feedback indicated a strong desire for gyros and more Mediterranean options on campus.
- Scoreboard Market: The style of service is changing in North Quad. In the newly expanded Scoreboard Market, meals will now be available through a locker system — similar to Bell Tower — rather than traditional buffet-style service. Coaches Corner will feature tailgate favorites previously served at Red Zone in Armstrong Student Center, and Martin Grill will offer a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
3 - Recreation Center satellite on North Quad
The former Martin Dining Commons on North Quad is being reimagined as an expanded satellite location of the Rec Center. Set to open Aug. 25, it will have three primary fitness areas; a main fitness room equipped with strength machines, free weights, and treadmills; a 1,000-square-foot functional training zone featuring kettlebells, plyo boxes, and medicine balls; and a dedicated hardwood-floor dance and group fitness studio.
A North Quad Fitness Open House will be held from 2-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, when the Miami community can check out the new space and renovations.
4 - Armstrong Student Center's new seating and more
The first thing students will notice at the Armstrong Student Center are the 90 red Adirondack chairs on outside patios.
Inside, visitors will see new student artwork throughout the building, live indoor trees and plants, along with new charging units (for laptops and other devices) that can be checked out from the information desk.
5 - Major software change at Libraries
This summer, Miami University Libraries underwent a major software change. As a member of OhioLINK, Miami was able to take advantage of a software overhaul and transition. This update ensures that Miami scholars can access the resources they need regardless of which library contains the materials.
Also of interest to Miami students is the expansion of our popular Textbooks on Reserve program. Last year, the libraries offered books from the 50 most popular classes. This year, the offerings have increased. They now have textbooks for the 100 most popular Miami courses. Visit King Library during its Cookies and Course Materials event from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Aug. 28 to discover how the Libraries can make getting your materials affordable and easy.
6 - Tech Support Lounge to offer loaner program
Students can sign up for the loaner program from now until Sept. 12 for $35. This covers any loaner needs for the entire academic year. As part of the program, students are eligible for a loaner device for both warranty and out-of-warranty repairs, will go zero days without a computer, and can receive a same-day loaner from the Tech Support Lounge in Armstrong Student Center.
Students can register for the program through the iResQ portal.
7 - The sustainability park will soon generate electricity
It’s been called Miami’s next big step toward carbon neutrality by 2040. Installation of more than 3,330 solar panels was completed earlier this month in Miami University’s new ground mount solar photovoltaic (PV) fields.
The two solar fields are situated above the Western Geothermal well field and at the former site of Thomson Hall. They are part of the Sharon and Graham Mitchell Sustainability Park.
By later this fall — once all equipment is in place and panels are connected to the electric grid — the two solar arrays are expected to start producing about 2,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity annually. Opening next spring, the park will encompass the solar fields, walking paths, seating areas, lighting, and primary gateway facing State Route 73.
8 - New degree programs launch
Set to launch in August, the Bachelor of Science in Quantum Computing program — the first of its kind in Ohio and the only one in the nation that will focus specifically on the software aspects of quantum computing.
Miami’s new Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering major also will be offered this fall.
Also approved and taking effect this fall new for undergraduate students: a Business Leadership co-major; Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies co-major; and minors in Animation; Business Leadership; Cybersecurity; Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence; Inclusive Special Education; Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies.
Other new majors for graduate students this fall: Master of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering major and Master of Education - Counselor Education major.
9 - Transportation hub opens this fall
Chestnut Street Station, a multimodal transportation center at 97 W. Chestnut St. that broke ground in January 2024, will open next month.
The station will become the central hub for updated Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) bus routes. The new routes — which began Aug. 18 — focus on convenience and will be more direct, according to BCRTA.
10 - Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub opens this winter
The Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub is a cutting-edge partnership between Miami University and Butler Tech Career Technical Center. It aims to develop an educated workforce and will serve as a catalyst for community economic growth.
The property at 101 Knightsbridge Drive in Hamilton — previously the Vora Technology Park, adjacent to Miami Regionals Hamilton campus — will open January 2026.
